Cinko Lake Backpacking

Hoover Wilderness

photo of Cinko Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California
photo of Cinko Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

Cinko Lake Backpacking

Hoover Wilderness


Relax at Cinko Lake

Cinko Lake is tucked away far enough into the Hoover Wilderness that weekend hikers rarely visit its shores. While ambitious hikers may complete the journey from Leavitt Meadow to the lake in a single day, the 14-mile hike is best done with a layover at Roosevelt and Lane lakes.

Plan to spend several days at Cinko Lake. Anglers will want to try their luck all around the varied shoreline while others may just want to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Nearby trails and lakes make wonderful places to explore on day outings, such as a hike up to the summit of Emigrant Pass or over to Chain of Lakes. The Pacific Crest Trail passes within a mile of Cinko Lake.

Cinko Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

Cinko Lake


Cinko Lake - Key Facts


Location: Hoover Wilderness, Mono County
Trailhead: Leavitt Meadow, elevation 7,130 feet
Cinko Lake elevation: 9,194 feet
Elevation Gain: 2,064 feet
Hiking Distance: 14 miles
Best seasons: Early to mid-summer through fall.
Campsites: Good sites along east and northwest shores.
Along the Trail Campsites: Lane Lake (4 miles), Walker River Crossing (11 miles)


sign to Cinko Lake, 14 miles


Wildlife

Bears are seldom a problem in the Hoover Wilderness, but bear canisters are now required. Rattlesnakes are rarely seen along the trail or in popular camping spots, but some sections of this trail are not well traveled and hikers should be vigilant.

Mosquitoes are at their worst from mid-June through mid-August. Campsites on the northwest side of Cinko Lake have more exposure to wind which may mitigate the annoying pests. Deer are seen occasionally, especially along the less traveled sections of the trail.

Beavers take to Eastern Sierra streams where aspens grow. Look for them around Lane and Roosevelt lakes.

Cinko Lake, Mono County, California

Cinko Lake

Cinko Lake - Key Facts

Location: Hoover Wilderness, Mono County
Trailhead: Leavitt Meadow, elevation 7,130 feet
Cinko Lake elevation: 9,194 feet
Elevation Gain: 2,064 feet
Hiking Distance: 14 miles
Best seasons: Early to mid-summer through fall.
Campsites: Good sites along east and northwest shores.
Along the Trail Campsites: Lane Lake (4 miles), Walker River Crossing (11 miles)


sign to Cinko Lake, 14 miles

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Cinko Lake Trailhead:
Leavitt Meadow

The trail to Cinko Lakes begins at Leavitt Meadow at the eastern foot of Sonora Pass (Highway 108). A backpackers' parking area is immediately off the highway adjacent to the Leavitt Meadows Campground. The parking area has vault toilets, water, garbage bins, and a kiosk for self-issued wilderness permits. Bring a pen to fill in your permit.

A short trail connects the parking area to the campground, which serves as the gateway to the trail. A new bridge across the West Walker River has been installed, so currently there are two foot bridges. Parking for backpackers used to be allowed by the bridge, but no longer.


Nearby Camping and Lodging

Leavitt Meadows Campground has 9 first-come, first-served campsites, $20 per night. They are fairly popular and at peak times the campground may be full. A couple miles to the east is Sonora Bridge Campground with 5 campsites for $20 per night. Dispersed camping is allowed along the sides of Highway 108 several miles up the pass. Dispersed camping is free.

Overnight Accommodations

For those who want to spend the night before their backpack trip in a motel, the closest place is Bridgeport. Prices for motels and gasoline are relatively high in Bridgeport.